December 5th, 1998
Miami, Florida
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Chow,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you both for all the wonderful things you have taught me over the years. When I first came to you at your studio on Biscayne Boulevard in July, 1976, it was to learn Tai Chi. This was only a small part of what you have given to me, and all your students. By your examples, we have had role models of integrity, quality, creativity, and most of all, a love of life and what we do.
Although I wasn't your quickest student, over the years as I learned Tai Chi, I was also learning many other valuable lessons. As my body learned to come into balance, my life did too. From you I learned not only Tai Chi, But to put my heart into what I do. As I did this in my study of Tai Chi, it brought many wonderful things into my life. In the 1970's I met my wife at Mr. Chow's 70th birthday party. Even though that relationship has changed, I have Tai Chi to thank for the birth of my son in March, 1983, which is one of the best things that ever happened to me.
When I started teaching in 1994, as I taught I found myself sharing the joy that doing what you love brings to one. When I teach I am at my best, and people see this and appreciate this all too rare quality that you have shared with me. It has brought about a transformation of my life. When helping Mr. Chow teach, I was offered my new career in Psychology, which has brought me back to school, to study psychotherapy. When teaching at the Miami Herald I met my girlfriend, with whom I am deeply in love. I now teach at Miami Dade Community College as well, and Tai Chi continues to bring a wonderful community of students into my life. All the best things in my life have come to me out of the lessons learned from you. Again I want to thank you.
My future career includes teaching Tai Chi for the rest of my life. I also hope to write about Tai Chi. The longer I study, the more I appreciate how much it (and you) have given me. You once told me about how when you came to Miami you knew few people. Over the years you have created community where ever you go. I hope that we your students can follow your example and also spread friendship and community as we go through life. Again, Thank You.
As Mr. Chow's birthday approaches I would like to wish him a very happy birthday, and of course many many more. In all the years I have known him I have never seen him angry or cross. His patience and encouragement , like Mrs. Chow's patience and strictness, have taught even one like myself, who was not the fastest of students, not just Tai Chi, but all of the things I have mentioned and much, much more. Mrs. Chow, through the years, has always instilled in her students the highest standards not only in Tai Chi, but in all parts of life. For me, the Chows have been role models of the best that humanity is capable of, and a true inspiration. They are constantly in my prayers, and it is my hope that their teachings have found fertile ground in us, their students, and that we can be a similarly good influence on the world around us as we live our lives.
Tai Chi Is like handwriting or calligraphy. Each practitioner and each teacher's form is unique, and adds something to what is learned. I have been lucky enough to have not one but two teachers, each of whom has uniquely influenced my life in uncountable ways for the better. My deepest wish is to carry on their tradition and the examples that they have set. Once again, Thank you, Mr. and Mrs.. Chow.
With Greatest Respect and Admiration, Your Student and Friend Always,
Daniel Zuckerman
